Figure 1 Left to right: RGB lighting, ErgoDox, IBM Model M, custom Kirby keycap, custom built 60% keyboard layout

Choosing a Mechanical Keyboard

By Sean Wang

Introduction:

A mechanical keyboard differs from many standard “rubber-dome” keyboards in that, under the hood, they contain robust, “mechanical” key switches that are used to actuate a user’s keystroke. It is these mechanical switches that are the defining feature of a mechanical keyboard, hence the name. Since their introduction in the 1970s, mechanical keyboards have become highly recognized for their reliability, durability, and tactility. Today, mechanical keyboards are a highly diverse and accessible category of input device that is still not well known among the general public. This instruction set will guide you through finding the perfect mechanical keyboard for your needs.

Step 0: Set your budget

Defining your budget is a crucial step in choosing not just a mechanical keyboard, but any product in general. By setting your budget, you will have already done a large portion of the work in choosing a mechanical keyboard, narrowing down the wide breadth of keyboards into a select group that is suitable for your wallet. Whether you are just trying to step into the scene or diving deep into the rabbit hole, you must always set your budget.

In terms of pricing, mechanical keyboards can range from as low as $20 to as high as $250. The sweet spot for keyboards, however, is around $70 to $110, which is where most people who are selecting their first keyboard (you) should look.

Step 1: Define your use case

Also, before you are able begin choosing your keyboard, you need to identify your use case, that is, why you want a mechanical keyboard and how you will use it. Gamers, for example, need quick and responsive keyboards in order to perform at their best. Writers might prioritize a comfortable experience for long typing sessions, and for a person on the go, size and portability may be key. Your use case will ultimately depend on your personal needs. Several important questions you should ask yourself are:

• What will I do with my keyboard?
• How do I want my keyboard to feel while typing?
• How big or small do I want my keyboard?
• How do I want my keyboard to look?
• Am I looking for any particular features?

Your answers to these questions will guide you as you choose a keyboard.

Step 2: Pick your key switch

At the heart of every mechanical keyboard is the mechanical key switch (AKA key switch or just switch) that exists under every key. The key switch is vitally important and can affect not only the feel of each keystroke, but also the point of actuation (when the switch activates) and the sound your keyboard makes. There is a vast variety of different key switches to choose from, with different characteristics for each key switch. Figure 2 (below) is a flowchart that might help you decide between some of the most popular and available switches.

Figure 2 Flowchart for most popular key switches

Note: Before committing to a particular key switch, you should buy a switch tester or visit a local electronics retailer to physically try out each switch type.

Step 3: Choose your keyboard form factor

Now that you have chosen your key switch, the next step is to choose a form factor for your mechanical keyboard. For most users, a full-size keyboard (the conventional keyboard form factor) works perfectly, however for some specific applications, an alternative form factor might work better. For example, tenkey-less keyboards cut out the rarely used number pad to save space and money. The smaller 60% form factor prioritizes portability and a minimalist design and is coveted by the mechanical keyboard community. Even smaller is the diminutive 40% keyboard, which is about the size of a king size chocolate bar. Figure 3 (below) shows and compares these keyboard form factors, however note that these are only four common sizes of keyboard. 75% keyboards also exist and might work well for someone looking for a slightly downsized tenkey-less keyboard.

Figure 3 Form factors by color: full-size, tenkey-less, 60%, 40%

Ultimately, like with the choice of key switch, the choice of form factor is subjective and depends on the needs of the user. For beginners, I would recommend a standard full-size keyboard as a starting place. However, for users with disabilities or medical conditions (like carpal tunnel), specialized or ergonomic keyboards might work better; an example of an ergonomic keyboard is the ErgoDox (see Figure 1).

Note: There are also non-conventional keyboard sizes and layouts that may appeal to some users.

Step 4: Identify additional features

With key switch and form factor decided, you can now identify any last features you might want in your mechanical keyboard. These features exist to enhance the mechanical keyboard experience as well as add some bonus functionality. Several additional notable features to consider when buying a keyboard are listed in the subsections below.

Backlighting

Backlighting is the illumination of keyboard keys such that they are visible in the dark. Backlighting can be both eye-catching and functional, and in terms of functionality, can range from on-off, to full RGB syncing with your mouse, computer, or headset (Figure 1).

N-Key Rollover (NKRO)

N-Key Rollover allows for the keyboard to register an unlimited number of concurrent keystrokes without problems and is highly recommended for gamers.

Macro Keys

Macro keys are discrete, additional keys that can be programmed by the user to serve a variety of purposes. These keys can be useful for multiplayer role-playing games, where tedious player actions can be programmed into a single keystroke, and also for office professionals who can use macro keys to copy, paste, rename, or transfer files in bulk.

Keycaps

Keycaps (the actual keys themselves, Figure 1) can affect the aesthetic quality of your keyboard. Some mechanical keyboards come with keycaps that have side-printed legends or no legends at all. When looking at keyboards, pay attention to keycaps that might add unwanted visual flair, especially if you plan to use your keyboard in the workplace.

Bluetooth/Wireless

Many manufacturers are now including wireless functionality to some of their keyboards. Hardcore gamers may still want to stay away from these types of keyboards because of latency or polling rate issues, but for many, this may be an appealing feature. Wireless mechanical keyboards usually come at a small premium, but for users that value convenience and portability highly, it is well worth it.

Step 5: Select a keyboard

After considering budget, use case, key switches, form factor, and additional features, you are now armed with the know-how to select your own mechanical keyboard. The most popular sites to get these keyboards include Amazon.com, MechanicalKeyboards.com, and Massdrop.com, however, the mechanical keyboard community has also compiled a spreadsheet of reputable vendors. Now all that’s left for you is to pick a keyboard and get typing!